International

Gabon Election: Candidates Multiply Winning Strategies

Incumbent Ali Bongo and the opposition candidates are combing all the nooks and crannies of the country with enticing messages.

The hustle and bustle in Gabon’s political playground is getting to the crescendo as candidates aspiring for the presidency in the August 27, 2016 presidential election use every possible and available means to woo voters. Incumbent President Ali Bongo’s main opposition challenger, Jean Ping continues to gain more support as another opposition candidate, Leon-Paul Ngoulakia withdrew from the race last Saturday and declared his support for Jean Ping, news agencies said.

"I am here because you decided that we needed a single candidate to end this dictatorship that we've been living through," he is quoted to have justified. This is another booster for Jean Ping who had earlier received the support of Guy Nzouba Ndama, former parliamentary speaker, as well as the former Prime Minister Casimir Oye Mba on August 16, 2016. This implies that only 11 candidates are actively canvassing for votes now. Ali Bongo on his part continues with campaign with great zeal and determination considering the support he has from some political parties and associations.

The international community is also interested in Saturday’s presidential election. The Voice of America (VOA) reports that electoral actors have been urged to encourage electors participate in the electoral process without violence. The European Union, VOA said will deploy observers to Gabon for the poll. The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) on its part, the Chinese government news agency (XINHUA) said, would deploy 20 election observers. ECCAS Secretary General, Ahmad Allam-Mi said the observer mission that will be headed by the Chadian, Abou Moussa will monitor to ensure that the election is free, transparent, fair and conducted in an appeased atmosphere.